Loper named to coach football at Byhalia

Photo: New Byhalia High School head football coach Johnny Loper (Credit: Marshall County Schools)

Marshall County Schools Thursday announced that Johnny Loper is taking on duties as head football coach at Byhalia High School.  

Loper has been involved coaching in the football program at different levels at Northpoint Christian School since 2018. Supt. Dr. Carrie Skelton said she was impressed by Loper’s desire to help his players “be the best versions of themselves.” 

“Coach Loper wants to help students get to the next level. His positive energy and ability to motivate people to be their best is going to be great for our students,” said Skelton.  

Loper was a four-sport All-Conference athlete as a football player in high school. He chose to go to school at South Carolina State, despite recruitment efforts from schools, such as Alabama, Jackson State, and Mississippi State.  

In college, Loper earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference All-Conference honors as a kick returner and punt returner. For three years in a row, he was also named Most Valuable Player for his position at wide receiver. He went on to play indoor professional football with the Memphis Xplorers from 2000-2004.  

In 2005, Loper opened Jay Lo Fitness Studios and launched his Jay Lo Fitness Program, a successful program that has been featured on several media outlets, and continues to be a major success.